ADVICE FOR USED CLASS A PURCHASE FOR ROUND 2 TRAVEL
frayfl said
02:11 PM Feb 4, 2016
Had to stop fulltiming about 18 months ago due to health reasons, bought what we hope is our last home in OK and setteled in for the long term, thought our traveling days were probably over. I got a kidney tranplant in Nov 2015 and I am 3 months post transplant and feeling great. Doc says that I can do whatever I want in a couple of months.
Our plans are to keep the house, buy 32-36 ft used class A a small toad and travel from 6 – 9 months a year, primarily going west.
I am looking for recommendations on what used class A's to consider. Estimated annual miles will probably be 6 - 8K and we plan on doing this as long as our health holds out. Budget is up to 75K for the RV. Would prefer to stay closer to 50K. There seems to be a lot of 8-12 year old class A diesel pushers with 20 – 75K and lots of later gassers with low miles.
What is the minimum/max mileage I should consider on a 6-10 year old diesel. If I consider gassers, I would eliminate anything with more than 40K miles.
Who can I take a diesel to to have it checked out? I would want to have all of the engine/drive train checked and fluid analysis done before finalizing the purchase
What are the better mid range RV brands to consider?
If I look at gassers what is your opinion of chevy workhorse vs ford? Anything powertrain specific I should avoid?
How much should I plan on spending to get a toad ready to tow if the rv I buy is not already set up to tow.
My gut tells me I should hold out for the right deal on a diesel? Should I focus on later model gassers or older diesels?
Any opinions/recommendations would be appreciated.
-- Edited by frayfl on Thursday 4th of February 2016 02:13:41 PM
-- Edited by frayfl on Saturday 6th of February 2016 10:31:37 AM
PrairieRV said
06:16 PM Feb 4, 2016
First, I'm glad your health has been improved and bless the person who donated organs that made your life better.
You have some great questions, all summarized in one place. They are exactly what I'd like to learn about, too, but didn't get my thoughts so well organized. Thanks for asking. I'll look forward to seeing the opinions offered here.
Patti
kb0zke said
03:28 PM Feb 6, 2016
Glad to hear that you are doing well, Dennis. Since you were full-timers, I suspect that you already know most of what you are asking. On a DP, maintenance is a big item. Choose a coach that has good maintenance records. Also, unless the engine/transmission has been abused, you won't wear either one out. LOW miles are more of a warning sign than high miles. Our coach is 23 year old, and has just over 161,000 on it, which means that it has averaged just over 7000 miles per year. Any engine/transmission needs to be used regularly or seals dry up.
You say you want to travel 6-9 months per year. What about the other 3-6 months? Will there be shorter trips then, too?
We spent about $3000 for a Blue Ox towbar and baseplate and an Invisibrake for our Jeep. The next time around it will probably be half that.
Don't know where you are, but if you are interested in a Foretravel I know some people that could help you with an inspection. PM me.
gypsymaus said
08:02 AM Feb 7, 2016
We have owned 4 motorhomes since 2009 and we have learned a great deal by our own mistakes.
Our second MH was a Foretravel and we joined the FT forum before purchasing it. If you have a certain make in mind join the forum and learn by reading and asking questions. Dave's suggestion of an inspection is an excellent idea. If the time comes for us to purchase another MH we will pass by any rig that does not have a well kept maintenance record onboard.
We joined the Diesel RV Club (part of FMCA) and attended a rally. This was one of the most informative and educational experiences we have had as motorhome owners. They are also a very friendly and helpful group of people and we had a wonderful time. Here is the link to the club website.
Had to stop fulltiming about 18 months ago due to health reasons, bought what we hope is our last home in OK and setteled in for the long term, thought our traveling days were probably over. I got a kidney tranplant in Nov 2015 and I am 3 months post transplant and feeling great. Doc says that I can do whatever I want in a couple of months.
Our plans are to keep the house, buy 32-36 ft used class A a small toad and travel from 6 – 9 months a year, primarily going west.
I am looking for recommendations on what used class A's to consider. Estimated annual miles will probably be 6 - 8K and we plan on doing this as long as our health holds out. Budget is up to 75K for the RV. Would prefer to stay closer to 50K. There seems to be a lot of 8-12 year old class A diesel pushers with 20 – 75K and lots of later gassers with low miles.
Who can I take a diesel to to have it checked out? I would want to have all of the engine/drive train checked and fluid analysis done before finalizing the purchase
What are the better mid range RV brands to consider?
If I look at gassers what is your opinion of chevy workhorse vs ford? Anything powertrain specific I should avoid?
How much should I plan on spending to get a toad ready to tow if the rv I buy is not already set up to tow.
My gut tells me I should hold out for the right deal on a diesel? Should I focus on later model gassers or older diesels?
Any opinions/recommendations would be appreciated.
-- Edited by frayfl on Thursday 4th of February 2016 02:13:41 PM
-- Edited by frayfl on Saturday 6th of February 2016 10:31:37 AM
You have some great questions, all summarized in one place. They are exactly what I'd like to learn about, too, but didn't get my thoughts so well organized. Thanks for asking. I'll look forward to seeing the opinions offered here.
Patti
You say you want to travel 6-9 months per year. What about the other 3-6 months? Will there be shorter trips then, too?
We spent about $3000 for a Blue Ox towbar and baseplate and an Invisibrake for our Jeep. The next time around it will probably be half that.
Don't know where you are, but if you are interested in a Foretravel I know some people that could help you with an inspection. PM me.
We have owned 4 motorhomes since 2009 and we have learned a great deal by our own mistakes.
Our second MH was a Foretravel and we joined the FT forum before purchasing it. If you have a certain make in mind join the forum and learn by reading and asking questions. Dave's suggestion of an inspection is an excellent idea. If the time comes for us to purchase another MH we will pass by any rig that does not have a well kept maintenance record onboard.
We joined the Diesel RV Club (part of FMCA) and attended a rally. This was one of the most informative and educational experiences we have had as motorhome owners. They are also a very friendly and helpful group of people and we had a wonderful time. Here is the link to the club website.